Women are neglected by many believers’ teaching and the church’s practice. The Bible is rich with women leaders who have influenced the strategic direction of God’s kingdom.
This article looks at 15 Bible verses on women’s leadership that should be included in any cursory research of the book, Old Testament or New Testament.
Bible Verses on Women’s Leadership
Women in leadership are one of the most controversial topics in modern society. The Bible speaks of numerous women who played a significant role in events surrounding Christ’s life, teachings, and death.
Proverbs 31:30
“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
Proverbs 31:30(ESV)
A woman who fears God will not only lead but will lead via the rule and ordinances of God. Leading with the fear of God will give her the knowledge and understanding necessary to guide and advise her audience on where and how they must live.
Psalm 46:5
“God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.”
Psalm 46:5(ESV)
Any woman who is a leader must never lead without God’s presence. We should understand that on our own, we can do nothing. So a Christian leader who wants to show till the end should always involve God.
1 Timothy 3:11
“Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.”
1 Timothy 3:11 (ESV)
A woman who wants to lead must have certain qualities and must abstain from certain ungodly acts, like slandering one another. she must be sober-minded and inculcate in her the habit of putting her trust in God, which will help her lead.
Luke 1:45
“And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”
Luke 1:45(ESV)
As a leader who is ready to lead with the fear of God, believing in gods promises is significant, and this always shows the faith and trust you have in a god that can only give you the knowledge you deserve to guide and lead.
Proverbs 11:16
“A gracious woman gets honor, and violent men get riches.”
Proverbs 11:16(ESV)
Being a leader those not entail that one must be arrogant; we should understand pride comes before a fall. as a leader, we develop the habit of being gracious to others showing them love, care, and attention.
According to this passage, we are meant to understand that those who are gracious to others will receive a reward of honor, and violent people get riches that might vanish at any time. ( a good name is better than many riches)
Proverbs 31:25
“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.”
Proverbs 31:25 (ESV)
There is a certain level of internal strength present before assistance is offered. When God created man, He recognized that it wasn’t appropriate for him to be alone. Therefore, He made the woman (eve) to be an aid to him and to comfort him in difficult times. Women aren’t supposed to be undervalued.
Proverbs 3:15
“She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her.”
Proverbs 3:15 (ESV)
A woman who leads with emotions and care. Natural where a woman is seen as a leader, people around her will feel her impact, love, and respect.
Women are precious, and when it comes to leadership, they don’t rule with laws; sometimes, emotions set in while judging. It is important to note that emotions sometimes aren’t seen as a weakness but rather as care.
Proverbs 31:26
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”
Proverbs 31:26 (ESV)
Most people find it difficult to trust women’s leadership; some see them as weaklings, and others as incapable.
According to this passage, we should understand that a woman’s words carry wisdom and her teachings come with kindness.
Proverbs 31:16-17
“She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands, she plants a vineyard. She dresses with strength and makes her arms strong.”
Proverbs 31:16-17 (ESV)
There are certain advantages when women rule or lead. At the beginning of creation, women are seen as multipliers.
According to this passage, women are seen as weaklings or dependent on men; women are seen as field workers who plant an harvest in due season, which entails a leadership quality.
1 Corinthians 15:10
“But by the grace of God, I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.”
1 Corinthians 15:10 (ESV)
As a woman who wants to lead, we should understand that our strength or might can do nothing, but we must follow God’s rule and guidance to succeed in our endeavors.
Paul, who had been with Jesus, saw all the miracles Jesus had done and used him to do great and mighty things, but still asked God for his rule; via this, we are not exempted, and we are to always ask him for guidance and direction.
Proverbs 31:20-21
“She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet.”
Proverbs 31:20-21 (ESV)
One of the qualities of a good leader is extending a hand of love and care toward others. A leader with the people’s minds at heart will always care by showing them, love.
Via this passage, we understand that a woman who leads will always lead with emotion and love and will never be afraid of getting in other to take care of her people.
Psalm 139:14
“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”
Psalm 139:14(ESV)
God made us in his image and likeness and has given us everything we need. All that is required of us is to always depend on him for everything we need. as a leader, we don’t need to walk in our ability; we must always ensure to put God in our everything.
Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9(ESV)
As maximum strength and courage should never be far from us, we are to be strong and courageous even amid trials, storms, and tribulations; we are to exercise our faith in Him, knowing we have His backing.
1 Corinthians 11-12
“Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman; for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God.”
1 Corinthians 11-12(ESV)
Sometimes people worldwide try to deprive women of their right to leadership using some scriptures to back up their claims. According to this passage, women are not dependent on any man, nor are men dependent on a woman. In God’s eyes, everyone is equal.
1 Peter 3:3-4
“Do not let your adorning be external — the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear — but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.”
1 Peter 3:3-4(ESV)
Final Thought
As Christian leaders, there are things we are not expected to do according to this scripture. Bringing out beauty outside our natural beauty is wrong.
We should understand that as Christian leaders, we are representatives of God on earth, and as such, we have to put on a garment of humility to lead the people in the way that pleases God.
